Over-Ear
Audeze EL-8 Open Back
68Good
$699
Full review dataAudeze EL-8 Open Back vs HiFiMAN Jade II: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the HiFiMAN Jade II comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 85. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: HiFiMAN Jade II - Outstanding overall at around $690.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Jade II
85Outstanding
$690
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Audeze EL-8 Open Back
Sound7.0
Value6.0
HiFiMAN Jade II
Sound9.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | Audeze EL-8 Open Back | HiFiMAN Jade II |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $699 | $690 |
| HearWiki score | 68 / 100 · Good | 85 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2015 | 2019 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 100 mm planar magnetic | Electrostatic |
| Driver size | 100 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-50kHz | 7Hz-90kHz |
| Sound signature | - | Bass-rolled neutral |
| Impedance | 30 Ω | - |
| Sensitivity | 102 dB/mW | - |
| Sensitivity | 102 | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | - |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 460 g | 365 g |
| Foldable | Yes | - |
What reviewers said
Audeze EL-8 Open Back
The Audeze EL-8 Open Back is a premium planar magnetic headphone featuring large 100mm drivers, delivering a spacious and detailed sound with strong, deep bass and clear highs. Its robust build and comfortable fit make it a solid choice for rock, hip-hop, and similar genres, though its open design and weight may not suit everyone. With high sensitivity and low impedance, it's easy to drive while offering an impressive soundstage for critical listening.
- Pro:Excellent build quality with premium materials
- Pro:Deep, detailed bass and clear highs
- Pro:Spacious soundstage with strong imaging
- Con:Heavy at 460 grams, may cause fatigue
- Con:Open-back design leaks sound and lacks isolation
- Con:Not ideal for classical music or maximum detail retrieval
HiFiMAN Jade II
The HiFiMAN Jade II is an over-ear electrostatic headphone that delivers a precise, airy sound with a lean bass response and excellent technical performance. Its ultra-wide frequency range and lightweight build make it a compelling option for listeners who prioritize clarity and detail over bass weight, though it requires a dedicated amplifier setup.
- Pro:Exceptional clarity and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very lightweight for an electrostatic model
- Pro:Wide, airy soundstage with fast transients
- Con:Bass is noticeably rolled off, lacking impact
- Con:Requires a specialized electrostatic amp, adding cost
- Con:Fit and comfort may vary due to thin earpads
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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